The link between short sleep and methamphetamine use in women

Short Sleep Duration as a Predictor of Methamphetamine Intake: Role of Orexin Mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11138772

This study looks at how not getting enough sleep might make women more likely to use methamphetamine, focusing on a brain chemical called orexin that helps control sleep. By watching female monkeys, researchers hope to understand how sleep and drug use are connected, which could help us find better ways to treat addiction.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jackson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138772 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how insufficient sleep may lead to increased methamphetamine intake, particularly focusing on adult females. The study examines the role of orexin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep, in influencing sleep patterns and substance use behaviors. By observing the sleep and drug intake patterns in female rhesus monkeys, researchers aim to uncover biological mechanisms that could explain the connection between sleep duration and addiction. The findings could provide insights into how sleep quality affects addiction risk and inform potential treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult females who experience short sleep duration and may be at risk for methamphetamine use or addiction.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with sleep duration or are not at risk for methamphetamine use may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions for preventing or treating methamphetamine addiction by addressing sleep issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between sleep patterns and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Jackson, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.